Mods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: How do I tell if my Converter is charging the Batt

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How do I tell if my Converter is charging the Batt

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
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Forum Name: Mods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16169
Printed Date: 05 Mar 2026 at 5:37am
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Topic: How do I tell if my Converter is charging the Batt

Posted By: troutpodder
Subject: How do I tell if my Converter is charging the Batt
Date Posted: 20 Apr 2025 at 3:23pm

Hey All,

Question on how can I tell if my power panel is charging my batteries. I have had a 2016 RPOD 186 for almost ten years. In the past, whenever I would plug in the camper to shore power, I would also hear a hum coming from the power panel which i have understood to be the panel charging the battery. And for years, plugging into shore power always resulted in the batteries getting charged to full.

Now when i plug into shore power, I am not hearing the panel humming. All the appliances work when plugged into shore power , the micro wave, the fridge, the ac.. they all work so the shore power connection is good. and when not plugged into shore, the lights, h20 heater and furnace switches and the fan work, so again, that all works as well. The batteries are currently reading 2/3rds full. Might I be mis-remembering things and possibly the panel only charges the batteries when then are below a certain level BUT, i don't remember things like this ... I remember that regardless of the battery level (other than if they were full) the panel would be humming and charging when I plugged into shore power.

also, i checked all the fuses - all good and the breakers are all in on position. When i do plug into shore power, I do hear a beep but then that's it. The batteries are new, purchased them last year - good quality and they were kept on a battery tender for the winter and did not freeze and like I said, the lights etc all work when not plugged into shore power.

I would appreciate any advice on how to determine if the panel is still functioning . I am not strong in my knowledge of electrical systems ... obviously!

Thanks,

Troutpodder

Replies:

Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 20 Apr 2025 at 8:02pm

Pick up a simple multi-tester or multi-meter at Harbor Freight. Their cost is anywhere from $4-$10. Place the red and black leads on your battery. While hooked up to shore power you should read 13.5 volts or better. Compare that to when you aren't hooked up to shore power. What reading are you now getting on the battery? This will be an indicator as to the health of your battery and also if the converter is charging your battery. How old is your battery and how well have you maintained it? Have you kept up on the electrolyte levels as well.

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God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."

Posted By: ppine
Date Posted: 17 Nov 2025 at 10:33am

The power converters in rPods are known to fail. They rest on the floor and are subject to vibration. Single axle trailers move around more than double axle trailers. Some people like to travel on the dirt and rough roads. Some of the solder connections can break. Some people carry an extra power converter because this is so common. WSCO 55 amp.

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Forester
2022 Ram diesel
2019 Nash 26N
2015 rpod 177

Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 17 Nov 2025 at 1:01pm

Originally posted by ppine

The power converters in rPods are known to fail. They rest on the floor and are subject to vibration. Single axle trailers move around more than double axle trailers. Some people like to travel on the dirt and rough roads. Some of the solder connections can break. Some people carry an extra power converter because this is so common. WSCO 55 amp.

They are WFCO converters ( https://www.wfcotech.com/product-category/converters/ - https://www.wfcotech.com/product-category/converters/ ), and they are used in a large number of travel trailers (not just Rpods).

At least in our RP179, it does not "sit on the floor", but is mounted in the wall near the floor (a few inches above the floor). I can't say I know anyone carrying an extra converter except possibly a handful that I know have had an actual failure.

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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost

Posted By: poohbill
Date Posted: 20 Nov 2025 at 4:35pm

Our 179 battery level indicator shows actual charge when batteries are running the DC, and FULL charge when on shore power to both DC/AC systems. To determine if the batteries are charging, I check the indicator only when off-shore—has it improved in a day?

I know what you mean about the sound but never associated it with just charging, only total DC load.

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2016 179 Gastropod
2017 Ridgeline

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 21 Nov 2025 at 10:54am

I did have one converter fail. The replacement did not fail. I replaced it with the one suitable for LiFePO4 batteries when I upgraded from dual 6V FLA batteries to a single LiFePO4 battery. That one did not fail either.

Your best bet is to get a suitable battery monitor such as this one: https://www.amazon.com/AiLi-Voltmeter-Ammeter-Voltage-Motorhome/dp/B07FGFFHC6 - https://www.amazon.com/AiLi-Voltmeter-Ammeter-Voltage-Motorhome/dp/B07FGFFHC6 which is the one I bought when I converted to the LiFePO4 battery. It will work for lead-acid or lithium batteries, measuring amperage in and out, acting like a fuel gauge that is much, much more accurate than the stock lights. There are various brands from which to choose. Victron is probably the best, but carries a corresponding high price. Renogy is moderately priced and likely very good quality. Mine was on the lower end of price, but does work.

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: dhoni44551
Date Posted: 26 Dec 2025 at 10:16am

It does sound like your converter/charger may not be charging even though shore power is working. The easiest way to check is with a multimeter: measure battery voltage unplugged, then plugged into shore power if it doesn’t rise to ~13.6–14.4V, the charger isn’t working. The hum isn’t always reliable, but the lack of voltage increase usually points to a failing converter.